Upgrading Your Kitchen From “Blah” to “Bling” for Less

From cooking to entertaining, the kitchen — always the heart of the home — now takes center stage as the 21st century hub of the home. As families spend more time in their homes, today’s “command central” kitchen needs to be multi-functional and high-definition — with easy-to-maintain surfaces dedicated to cooking, working, Web surfing and blogging, paying bills and doing homework, as well as creating a comfortable environment to entertain family and friends.

Homeowners can transform their kitchens with a few tips:

Small steps can create better spaces

Begin redesigning your kitchen to address multi-functional needs with some smart planning, and consider remodeling in phases rather than all at once. Begin with the easiest area: replace aging countertops with materials that are beautiful yet durable and versatile. Counter space for food preparation can be optimized for laptops and other electronics while you keep an eye on dinner and the kids. Design at the appropriate height and allow space for your legs under the counter so that the same space can be converted to an ad-hoc desk when you aren’t cooking.

Counter life’s madness with beautiful surfaces

Making the most of the countertop requires the right material for aesthetics and functionality. While there are numerous options, today’s laminate countertops feature beautiful designs that mirror granite and other natural stones at a fraction of the cost, and with scratch-resistant finishes that are not only easy to clean, but also resist common stains like peanut butter, permanent marker and red wine. Because laminates are made from recycled content and are easy to install and maintain, they make an eco and budget-friendly choice for consumers.

Look at online tools such as the visualizer on www.WilsonartHD.com for more on how to upgrade your kitchen.